Search Frequent Questions

Filter By:

Active filters:

Remove all filters

Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 results

  • Will boiling my water help?

    No. Boiling water will NOT reduce nitrate levels. In fact, it will make the level of nitrate worse because some of the water will evaporate but the nitrate will not. This increases the concentration of nitrate in water.

    • Last published:

  • Is it safe to shower or bathe in water if it is over the nitrate MCL of 10 mg/L?

    Nitrate is only a concern for ingestion (eating and drinking). It is not absorbed through your skin. People who install filter systems for nitrate often install them just for their kitchen sink faucet, and they use that faucet for their cooking and drinking water.

    • Last published:

  • What is EPA doing?

    EPA is working with its governmental partners and other stakeholders to investigate and address the issue. Most recently, EPA issued a letter to the state of Minnesota requesting a plan of action to address nitrate contamination in drinking water.

    • Last published:

  • What should I do if my water has elevated nitrates and/or exceeds the MCL?

    If nitrate exceeds the MCL of 10 mg/L, you should find a safe alternative drinking water supply. The quickest thing to do is to begin using bottled water for drinking. Another option is to install a treatment that will remove nitrate from your water such as reverse osmosis or a…

    • Last published:

  • Why is nitrate contamination a concern?

    Nitrate is an acute contaminant, meaning that health effects can occur immediately (I.e. within hours or days) of short-term exposure. Too much nitrate in your body makes it harder for red blood cells to carry oxygen. While most people recover quickly, this can be very dangerous for infants and some…

    • Last published:

  • If I certify a nonroad flexible-fuel engine under 40 CFR Part 1054, are owners and operators prohibited from using gasoline-ethanol blended fuels containing greater than 10 volume percent ethanol under 40 CFR 80.1504(a)(1) in my nonroad flexible-fuel engi

    See More Frequent Questions about Fuels Registration, Reporting, and Compliance Help . No, owners and operators of nonroad engines, vehicles, and equipment where the nonroad engine is certified under 40 CFR Part 1054 as a flexible-fuel engine are not prohibited from using gasoline-ethanol blended fuels containing greater than 10 volume…

    • Last published:

  • How do I have my drinking water tested in the future?

    Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends you use an accredited laboratory to test your water. Contact an accredited laboratory to get sample containers and instructions or ask your county environmental or public health services if they provide well testing services. Accredited Labs in Minnesota Accepting Drinking Water Samples from Private…

    • Last published:

  • How are people potentially exposed to nitrate?

    For many situations, the potential for children’s exposure from drinking water is medium to low. The potential can be higher when private wells become contaminated with nitrates from feed lot and agricultural runoff, and contaminated groundwater. Some geographic areas are at higher risk of drinking water contamination of private wells…

    • Last published:

  • What are the possible health effects of nitrate exposure?

    Short-term: Excessive levels of nitrate in drinking water have caused serious illness and sometimes death. The serious illness in infants is due to the conversion of nitrate to nitrite by the body, which can interfere with the oxygen-carrying capacity of the child’s blood leading to blue baby syndrome (methemoglobinemia). This…

    • Last published:

  • What is nitrate?

    Nitrate (NO3) is a compound of nitrogen and oxygen naturally found in air, soil, water, and some food. Plants and animals require nitrates for their survival and growth, and the human body also produces this compound. In industry, nitrate is used as fertilizers for crops and lawns. Additionally, nitrates are…

    • Last published:

  • I use a carbon filter. Will this help?

    Activated carbon filters, such as those in a “Brita” water pitcher, DO NOT remove nitrates.

    • Last published:

  • Can product codes satisfy the product transfer documentation requirements set forth at 40 C.F.R. 80.1503(a)?

    See More Frequent Questions about Fuels Registration, Reporting, and Compliance Help . EPA believes that parties normally are able to meet the product transfer requirements by including the required information in the documents that the parties currently use to memorialize the transfer of title or custody of the gasoline. Product…

    • Last published:

  • What was the “opt-out” provision and when was it revoked? 

    Answer: On April 22, 2010, EPA issued a final rule revoking the opt-out provision of the 2008 RRP Rule. The rule was published in the Federal Register on May 6, 2010, and took effect on July 6, 2010. As originally published in 2008, the RRP Rule allowed homeowners to "opt…

    • Last published:

  • How to protect yourself from nitrate exposure?

    Private well owners Assess the location of your well, wells found near sources of nitrates may have a greater risk of contamination. Sources include: farm fields, barnyards, feedlots, septic tanks, municipal wastewater treatment systems or “sludge” and manure spreading sites. Ensure your well is up to code with state regulations…

    • Last published: